Senior citizens can now enjoy discounted train tickets between Weymouth and Westbury with a national bus pass, thanks to First Great Western and Wiltshire Council.

First Great Western is offering a 34 per cent discount on all standard off-peak and anytime single and return rail tickets to holders of English Nation-al Concessionary Travel Scheme passes.

The passes are issued by Wiltshire Council and allow free off-peak bus travel, but will now also mean discounted tickets between Westbury and Weymouth, with travel available with all train operators.

Discounts are available at times when the bus pass is valid – 9.30am-11pm on Mondays to Fridays and all day at weekends and public holidays. Journeys with discounted tickets must start within these times.

Cllr Horace Prickett, Wiltshire Council portfolio holder for transport, said: “This is clearly a great offer for people who wish to have a nice day out.

“First Great Western set up the scheme in association with the Heart of Wessex Community Rail Partnership, which is financially supported by Wiltshire Council.

“Senior citizens can get free bus travel to the station with the bus pass, before getting a big discount on train travel to Weymouth where they can enjoy the beach and dip their toes in the sea.”

The discount scheme is also available between Swindon and Worcester Foregate Street via Stroud.